What Happens When a Permit Driver Causes a Crash?

It can be an embarrassing situation for a young driver to get into a car accident. It can be even more embarrassing when the driver does not even have their license yet but just a permit.

This can be a frustrating situation for the responsible adult who is supposed to be riding along. This is typically a parent. What do parents need to know when their child has just a learner’s permit but causes an accident? In Texas, if a driver with a learner’s permit causes a car accident, several things can happen. They involve insurance, liability, and administrative penalties.

Accident Reporting

As with any other car accident, you must exchange information with the other driver. You must also report the crash to law enforcement if required (examples include serious injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.

Insurance Coverage

The insurance policy on the vehicle generally covers damage and injury costs if the permit driver is at fault. In Texas, all vehicles must carry at least 30/60/25 liability insurance. Even though the driver only has a permit, the vehicle’s coverage typically extends to them as a permissive driver as long as they have permission to use the car.

Premiums and Claims

An at-fault accident usually means insurance premiums go up. If the permit holder violated a permit rule (such as driving without a supervising licensed adult), the insurer might deny the claim. This means the vehicle’s owner would be personally responsible for damages.

Financial Responsibility

Liability for damages is based on fault, not whether the person had a full license. If the permit driver caused the crash, they (and typically the vehicle owner or supervising adult) are responsible for paying the other party’s damages through insurance or personally.

Permit Consequences

A permit driver can be cited for any traffic violation that caused the accident. If the driver broke permit rules, that is an additional violation, which can result in fines or permit sanctions. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or delay the learner’s permit or require additional driver education, especially for serious violations or repeat offenses.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

If the permit driver (or vehicle owner) had no insurance and caused the crash, Texas law imposes fines and possible license/registration suspension for driving without proof of insurance. On top of that, those injured in the crash can still seek compensation through civil claims, even if the at-fault driver was uninsured.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Anyone can cause a crash, and inexperienced drivers are especially prone to accidents. Even those with just a learner’s permit can cause a crash, and as a parent, it is important to know what is at stake in these situations.

A Houston auto accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you understand the next steps after a permit driver gets into an accident. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (281) 347-3247.

Source:

legalclarity.org/what-happens-if-a-permit-driver-gets-in-an-accident/